MSN Explorer

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Wikipedia on MSN Explorer

MSN Explorer is a web browser, developed by Microsoft, which comes with Windows XP that integrates MSN features such as Hotmail and MSN Messenger with a web browser. However to make use of these services requires a Windows Live ID (formerly known as a Microsoft Passport or .NET Passport).

MSN Explorer is essentially a graphics-heavy version of Internet Explorer, and could be termed an Internet Explorer shell. Every so often the browser will automatically update itself.

Development of the free version of MSN Explorer was halted in favor of a version only available with MSN Internet Access, though the last free version for those without an MSN Service Provider is still available.

MSN has a sign-in system to use the explorer service, which requires a user to have a Windows Live ID, though depending on the version may or may not require a subscription to other MSN Services.

MSN Explorer is known for its many animations and sounds, making it a good choice for first-time users. One of the most known interactive features is the 'welcome' voice, which greets each user once signed in. It can be set to greet by name, or to simply vary from "Good Morning" to "Good Evening" depending on the time of day. Another recognizable feature is the dashboard up top, which has large icons that will redirect the user to the MSN site for the subject the icon sports; if the user clicked the music icon, they would be redirected to music.msn.com or similar, the official site for Music on MSN.

The newest version of the program is 9.50.34.200, available for download if a subscription is purchased. It has a new graphical interface resembling polished metal, and has re-organized the use of the 'My Stuff' bar to the right. The new e-mail interface is actually embeded in the browser itself, with no URL. You can only sign in with subscription or by obtaining a temporary one. The highest subscription is MSN Premium, which includes: MSN Explorer (with updates), MSN Messenger/Windows Live Messenger (with updates), MSN Internet Access, MSN E-mail, Windows Live Spaces, Mobile Internet (MSN updated automatically)

The Explorer interface also includes many flash animations. Wrapped up as .cab files, they cannot be tampered with or sold. Microsoft also plans many more graphical features.

MSN Explorer Version 9

Microsoft has not included it in its latest operating system Windows Vista, and is only be available as updates or to those with Microsoft's Windows XP.